S.O.A.P.

Filter By:

Scripture- Genesis 42:1-2 "When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why are you standing around looking at one another? 2 I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we'll die."

Observations- The story of Joseph is one of the most dramatic portions of the Old Testament. It involves envy, betrayal, defamations, manipulations, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, hate, grief… the world hasn´t changed much, right? Or we may even say… talking about a dysfunctional family!

Application- But let´s do not fall into the negativity trap and move on to the amazing contrasts this story offers. Even though it involves all kinds of negative attitudes, that´s not what it is all about. The story of Joseph is about three big virtues… INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE and last but not least, FORGIVENESS. Yes, we all live in a broken world and somehow have dysfunctional families, but through Jesus Christ we know that there is more to our story. It´s up to us to decide what will make the headlines of our every day's news. It´s up to us to decide how we will respond to such brokenness. We could either be like Joseph brothers… "standing around looking at one another" or go out and live out the virtues of the Gospel, overcoming manipulations with integrity, betrayal with resilience and hate with forgiveness.

Prayer- Dear Lord, give us wisdom and determination. Help us not be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with the virtues that we find in your Grace and Love. In your mighty Name we pray, AMEN!

Scripture- Genesis 41:37-38- Joseph's suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. So Pharaoh asked his officials, "Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?"

Observations- Things finally begin to turn around for Joseph, but he doesn't let the blessings of his new position go to his head. He works tirelessly to ensure the plan he put in motion would provide enough for all of the people that would come for food in the lean years ahead. Others saw his gifts and graces and acknowledged that here was someone uniquely equipped by the living God for this very role.

Application- How do people see you? Their opinion is hardly as important as what God says about you, but it's good to have important people in our lives confirm our gifts and graces, who can celebrate God's good work in us. Just as Joseph's relationship with the living God helped forge his integrity his experiences further equipped for the work God had in store for him. The same is true for us. What is God preparing you to do next as one "filled with the Spirit of God?"

Prayer- (Prayer to the Holy Spirit by St. Augustine- 354-430) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

"Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation." (Hebrews 11:2),